Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

February Festivities!

First February Festivity: the 11th for our 64th anniversary-
A reason to celebrate and share a fabulous memory.
The year was 1961 and Bob was stationed in Germany
I was teaching a 1st grade in CA; he was in the US Army.

I married that handsome fellow when he flew home.
I left my darling first grade class in Stockton, CA to go roam.
Left my apartment, my language, Suzie, my roommate,
My family and friends… all that was familiar. Not great!

The wedding was spectacular and the reception would make
Family and friends smile & cheer us on and marvel at our cake.
At our 50th anniversary we asked a bakery to duplicate it for us.
One after another they said “Impossible” in an incredulous chorus.

I landed a job on the army base school in Germany, a first grade class,
And finished out the year joyfully, learning a new culture. It was a blast!
Back in California, I continued to teach the little ones in Turlock
And then in San Francisco & Hillsborough… while Bob graduated from SF State.

We started our family during those SF years… a boy, Ty, and girl, De.
They were a delight to us then … and still are a blessing each day to me!
Here’s a picture of Bob & me with Ty when he was a sweet little babe…
And one of DeAna with me in matching dresses I made!

Mother-Daughter

As the years have gone by and our children have grown
We moved from the Bay Area back to the place we had known
As children and young adults; Bob joined the family with bees
While I continued to teach and moved to principal and District Office with ease.

Our 50th anniversary was a time to gather five decades of friends & family
For a weekend in Palm Desert where we golfed, ate, and reunited happily.
The memories of that grand occasion are alive and well in our hearts,
And we continue each February to connect with friends from our life’s parts.

When we retired, we continued to celebrate our February dates with flare!
But we’re doing it in Montana. Twenty years ago we moved ourselves there.
We love living in Big Sky Country, Ennis Montana, where the antelope roam.
We celebrate life every day and invite you to come share the joy in our home.

February 11th is a day each year to celebrate the joy of being together.
Valentine’s Day we celebrate at a Wine Pairings dinner – regardless of the weather.
It’s at Madison Valley Ranches, a beautiful setting for sure, with great food and friends.
Come join us if you wish… spaces are available … right out here where the river bends.

Time to celebrate! This February Festivity is my favorite one.
Having you here to join us would make it extra fun.
Call Manu at 406-660-2959 for your Valentine’s Day reservation.
It’ll make us so happy to see you! Come share in our celebration!

Love ya,
JanBeek (& Bob, too)

Comments on: "February Festivities!" (13)

  1. Anonymous said:

    I’d give my eye tooth to join you! Happy anniversary, you love bugs! 😘 Dana

  2. What a beautiful and heartfelt journey you’ve shared, Jan. Your love story is truly inspiring—from the bold leap of faith you took in 1961 to the decades of cherished memories you and Bob have built together. It’s remarkable how you’ve woven teaching, family, adventure, and celebration into such a rich tapestry of life.

    Your words radiate joy, resilience, and gratitude. From Stockton to Germany, from California to Montana, you’ve embraced every chapter with grace and enthusiasm. The way you still celebrate love—not just on anniversaries but every day—is a testament to the vibrant life you’ve created together.

    Thank you for inviting us into your world and your celebrations. Your warmth and zest for life are contagious. May this February 11th be as special as all the ones before, filled with love, laughter, and the company of dear friends. Here’s to many more years of joy in Big Sky Country! 🌟💖

  3. I’m blessed to call you Mom ❤️🥰❤️🥰 I truly wish I could fly over the pond to help you two celebrate 64 years of love and life together. I’ll be with you in my heart! I love you!

    • Thank you, dear love of my heart ❤️ I feel your love daily – thank God for the internet and our ability to keep in touch daily. You are such a blessing! 👍🏽❤️

  4. A wonderful post. We will be there in spirit

  5. Anonymous said:

    Little did you know, that the legacy of those years. Jan with thousands of little ones, now grown with families and new generations in tow, and the week with over a hundred young men, learning to grapple with the future, now mostly retired and grappling with grandkids of their own. What a legacy that we are all grateful for. Thank you. Modesto, Ceres and Hillsdale high School are better for your guidance and leadership. They don’t make ’em like that anymore.

  6. Absolutely beautiful 💞

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